What does Yishai mean and where does it come from?
Yishai (יְשַׁי) is a Hebrew name, commonly associated with biblical figures such as Jesse, the father of King David. The name conveys a sense of being a gift. It has been used in Israel since ancient times and remains popular among Jewish communities today. Notable people with this name include Yish
Cultural significance
Yishai has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift, present.
Peak popularity
Reached #4527 in 2018 — currently #4336 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Yishai?
Yishai works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yishai Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Yishai Rose
Floral · soft ending
Yishai Mae
Sweet · timeless
Yishai Claire
French influence · crisp
Yishai Jane
Literary · strong
Yishai Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Yishai right now?
Rising fast — up 225 spots — currently #4336 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4336 | 25 | ▲ up 225 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #4561 | 23 | ▲ up 370 · +15% births |
| 2021 | #4931 | 20 | ▼ down 333 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #4598 | 21 | ▲ up 585 · +17% births |
| 2015 | #5183 | 18 | ▲ up 210 · +6% births |
| 2010 | #5393 | 17 | ▲ up 718 · +31% births |
| 2005 | #6111 | 13 | ▼ down 274 · +8% births |
| 2000 | #5837 | 12 | ▲ up 3640 · +140% births |
| 1990 | #9477 | 5 | — |
The story of Yishai
Yishai is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1990. With 328 total births recorded, Yishai remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9477 in 1990 to #4336 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yishai in 2018:
Yishai by decade
Yishai peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 29 | |
| 2000s | 134 | |
| 2010s ★ | 144 | |
| 2020s | 21 | |
💎Yishai has only 328 total recorded births since 1990 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Yishai?
What names sound and feel like Yishai?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yishai also consider these
How is Yishai written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Yishai
What does the name Yishai mean?
Yishai means "gift, present" — a name rooted in Israel tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Yishai?
Yishai is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Yishai have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Yishai?
Yishai originates from Israel tradition. Israel names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Yishai?
Yishai is a two-syllable name pronounced Y IY1 SH AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Yishai trending right now?
Yishai is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.